11 Tips for Building a More Productive Work-Life Balance

Do you find yourself working late into the night? Do you have so many things on your plate that it's hard to prioritize them all? If so, you may be interested in these 11 tips for building a more productive work-life balance. Life is too short to focus solely on work. We want our families and friends to enjoy time with us, not just see us at dinner or as we're running out the door because we're going home from an all day meeting. -Take some time every day to reconnect with family and friends. We all need a break from work, so take one during the day or make an effort to see them at least once a week over dinner, happy hour, etc. Even if you get home late for your daughter's soccer game on Saturday morning because of that unavoidable meeting in the morning, make the time to congratulate her on a good game. -Workout - find an exercise routine that works for you and stick with it every day, or even just five days per week if you're ambitious! A healthy body will help you stay more focused at work and be better able to handle stress. -Get your sleep - this is so important! Build a routine that helps you get to bed at the same time every night, even on weekends. When we don't sleep enough, our brain will be more sluggish and have trouble concentrating. -Set boundaries with work outside of office hours by blocking out times in your calendar for family commitments and personal errands. -Make a list of the things that are important to you and prioritize them, then spend as much time on those priorities as possible. This will help you get more done in less time! -If it's been a while since we've had an adult conversation with someone outside our company, send them an email or ask to connect on LinkedIn. Or if it's been a while since we've seen someone from outside our company, reach out to them and see where they may be in their lives right now. -Take care of yourself physically by eating healthy food and exercising regularly! It will help you feel good about your body - which is so important for self-esteem. -Take care of yourself mentally by practicing self-compassion - stop beating up on yourself for not accomplishing enough, forget the mistakes you made and forgive others when they hurt us. We all make them! -Eat your meals at the table with family or friends over a phone call to return an email while eating. We need to put down our phones and try to live in the moment more. -Go for a walk outside during your lunch break, or take up some yoga if you're feeling stressed out. This will help us feel better mentally and physically! -Practice self care by taking time every day - an hour or two off work, a bath, or just 30 minutes to ourselves - for ourselves. Life is too short to focus solely on work. We want our families and friends to enjoy time with us, not just see us at dinner or as we're running out the door because we're going home from an all day meeting. So take a deep breath and enjoy all the pleasures of life!